WACPAW (West Africa Centre for the Protection of Animal Welfare) with the support of Eyes on Animals organized a one-day workshop in Tamale (GHANA) on Promoting Compassion for Farm Animals. Five chiefs from Tamale, 6 Imams, 6 school teachers, 4 butchers, 6 veterinarians, 6 Agricultural Officers, 6 farmers, 5 volunteer inspectors from WACPAW and 15 members of the public attended.
Safian, director of WACPAW opened the workshop with a speech and moderated the rest of the day. Imam Abdul Samie Issah gave a presentation on the importance to be compassionate to all animals and reminded the audience of Islamic values. The Youth Chief of Chogy, Chief Abdul Muhsin, talked about some of the acts of butchers and livestock handlers being totally different from what their culture and traditions prescribed and urged people to return to the good values of their roots. He will assist WACPAW in monitoring cruelty to animals inside abattoirs and markets in the region. The vice chairman of the butchers’ association thanked WACPAW and EonA for assisting them with making concrete improvements inside the Tamale abattoir, such as a new floor so cattle no longer fall in holes and break their legs. He assured us the cooperation will continue and that they are committed to reduce cruelty to animals. Dr. Awal Fuseini talked via Zoom about pragmatic steps to improve animal welfare and stressed the importance of education and training. Many people apologized for the way they have handled animals in the past and pledged to show more compassion.
As WACPAW promotes a plant-based diet, a traditional vegan meal was served and embraced by everyone. The workshop was broadcasted later in the day on Ghana television, watch the interview with WACPAW director.
